The Role of Ma'riful Quran in Shaping Contemporary Islamic Thought in Bangladesh

An Analysis of Mufti Mohammad Shofi's Contributions

Authors

  • Aflatun Al-Kausar International Islamic University Chittagong Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69526/bir.v2i4.157

Keywords:

Tafsir, Mufti Mohammad Shofi, Bangladesh, Islamic scholarship, Quranic exegesis, Contemporary Islamic thought

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the impact of Mufti Mohammad Shofi's 'Ma'riful Quran' on contemporary Islamic thought in Bangladesh. It aims to analyze the methodology, reception, and influence of Shofi's Tafsir within academic, religious, and social contexts. Methods: This research synthesizes scholarly critiques, educational integration, and societal reception of the 'Ma'riful Quran' through a comprehensive literature review. It also explores Shofi's interpretative approach, sources, and the thematic relevance of his exegesis. Findings: The 'Ma'riful Quran' has significantly influenced Islamic education by integrating traditional scholarship with modern relevance. It has garnered widespread acceptance in Bangladesh, shaping pedagogical practices and fostering a balanced understanding of the Quran. Despite criticisms regarding scholarly rigor and interpretative nuances, Shofi's Tafsir remains a pivotal resource for understanding and applying Quranic teachings in contemporary contexts. Implications: The study underscores the importance of accessible yet scholarly Tafsir works in promoting moderate Islamic discourse and addressing societal challenges. 'Ma'riful Quran' is a model for bridging classical interpretations with contemporary issues, offering practical guidance for Muslims in Bangladesh and beyond.Conclusion: Mufti Mohammad Shofi's 'Ma'riful Quran' exemplifies a significant contribution to Islamic scholarship in Bangladesh. It navigates the complexities of Quranic exegesis while engaging with modern realities. Its impact on education, religious discourse, and societal ethics underscores its enduring relevance in shaping Islamic thought and practice.

 

References

Ab Rahman, A. H., Ahmad, W. I. W., & Ali, N. (2011). Fi Zilal Al-Qur’an: Sayyid Qutb’s Contemporary Commentary On The Qur’an. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(12). https://search.proquest.com/openview/196517c3c45bf077623b7285a5576ebb/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=646295

Ali, A. S. (2017). A Brief Introduction to Qur’anic Exegesis. International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT). https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-cdZDgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Quranic+Tafsir,+the+exegesis+or+commentary+on+the+Quran,+holds+a+place+of+paramount+importance+in+Islamic+scholarship.+&ots=DDzJfuZIz6&sig=o_XfFw2Lm6j5X9i_FU6IgTgZnnc

Calder, N. (2005). 4 Tafsir from Tabari to Ibn Kathir. Approaches to the Qur’an, 101. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=pqXpE5VKuxkC&oi=fnd&pg=PA101&dq=scholars+such+as+al-Tabari,+al-Qurtubi,+and+Ibn+Kathir+&ots=qlPdRf2lHF&sig=AY7KfiL5w1ynpWKpdFQccb6l7Fs

Comprehensive Maariful Quran Tafseer English. (2024, July 30). https://ulumalazhar.com/maariful-quran-tafseer-english/

Coruh, H., Riddell, P. G., Coruh, H., & Riddell, P. G. (2022). “Tafsir’in the non-Arab Muslim world-II: Editors” introduction. In Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 1–4). Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia Auburn, NSW. https://search.informit.org/doi/pdf/10.3316/informit.T2024080700020391395473911

Faris, S. (2023). Exploring The Divine Message: Quranic Studies in The Context of Islamic Scholarship. Dirasah International Journal of Islamic Studies, 1(2), 111–125. https://dirasah.pdtii.org/index.php/i/article/view/16

Hameed, H. (2024). Arguing Pakistan in Late Colonial India: The Political Thought of Shabbir Ahmad Usmani. Modern Intellectual History, 1–26. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-intellectual-history/article/arguing-pakistan-in-late-colonial-india-the-political-thought-of-shabbir-ahmad-usmani/8A750C14D0E66E45066395CDD8E5CBC0

Hussain, M., & Bari, A. (2024). Politics of Socio-Political Reformation in South Asia: An Analytical Study on Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah’s Reformatory Roadmap (1703-1762). International" Journal of Academic Research for Humanities", 4(3), 42–51. https://jar.bwo-researches.com/index.php/jarh/article/view/459

Islam, A. (2017). The civilizational role of Islam in the Indian subcontinent: The Delhi sultanate. Intellectual Discourse, 25(1). https://journals.iium.edu.my/intdiscourse/index.php/id/article/download/994/687

Ismail, A. T., & Asnawi, A. R. (2021). Scientific approach in quranic exegesis: The emergence and issues. Journal of Contemporary Islamic Studies (JCIS), 7(1), 59–83. https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/47134/

Kaur, K. (2013). Contribution of Islamic Education to Sciences, Social Sciences and Literature in India. PRICE: RM 35.00, 123. https://www.academia.edu/download/58440130/wocihac2011_islam_education.pdf#page=127

Khatak, M. S. A. (2013). MUFTI MUHAMMAD SHAFI AND TAFSIR MAARIFUL QUR’AN; AN INTRODUCTION & REVIEW. Gomal University Journal of Research, 29(1), 129–134. http://www.gujr.com.pk/index.php/GUJR/article/view/407

Lala, I. (2012). An Analysis of the Sources of Interpretation in the Commentaries of Al-Tabari, al-Zamakhshari, Al-Razi, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Katthir. QURANICA-International Journal of Quranic Research, 2(1), 17–48. http://sare.um.edu.my/index.php/quranica/article/view/5235

Nizami, F. A. (2004). Islam in the Indian Sub-Continent. In The World’s Religions (pp. 368–389). Routledge. https://api.taylorfrancis.com/content/chapters/edit/download?identifierName=doi&identifierValue=10.4324/9780203168554-26&type=chapterpdf

Saleem, H. H. (2021). Development of Arabic Literature in Indian Sub-continent. AL-DURAR, 1(1), 1–17. https://www.tcais.net/ojs/index.php/alddurar/article/view/62

Saleh, W. A. (2004). Quranic Exegesis in History and Scholarship. In The Formation of the Classical Tafsīr Tradition (pp. 1–23). Brill. https://brill.com/downloadpdf/book/9789047412564/B9789047412564_s003.pdf

Shah, M. (2013). Tafsir: Interpreting the Qur’an. Critical Concepts in Islamic Studies. Routledge. https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/7982

Siregar, A. B. A. (2017). Analisis Kritis Terhadap Tafsir Fi Zilal Al-Qur’an Karya Sayyid Qutb. Ittihad, 1(2). http://ejournal-ittihad.alittihadiyahsumut.or.id/index.php/ittihad/article/view/30

Tareen, S. (2020). South Asian Qur’an Commentaries and Translations: A Preliminary Intellectual History. ReOrient, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.13169/reorient.5.2.0233

Uddin, S. (2000). The emergence of Bengali Islamic scholarship and its influence on modern identity. University of Pennsylvania. https://search.proquest.com/openview/686694cd581181fe40e59c372896dd45/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Wahidi, A. al. (1989). Asbab al-Nuzul. Beirut: Maktabah al-Tsaqafah. http://al-adaab.org/default/images/Docs/asbab_un_nuzul_al_wahidi.pdf

Wani, B. A. (2017). Tafsir-Maarif al-Quran of Mufti Muhammad Shafi: An Approach. Available at SSRN 3870753. https://islamicstudies.uok.edu.in/Files/36892408-1fed-4431-9848-0761b9e02587/Journal/08aa6d07-7733-4ec3-9574-dc733e34e98a.pdf

Wani, D. B. (2017). Tafsir-Maarif al-Quran of Mufti Muhammad Shafi An Approach (SSRN Scholarly Paper 3870753). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3870753

Downloads

Published

2024-10-09

Issue

Section

Articles